West Ham’s hunt for a new striker has led Manuel Pellegrini to target a former favourite of his. According to The Daily Star, West Ham could move for Edin Dzeko if Marko Arnautovic completes his expected move to China.
Arnautovic is a target for Shanghai SIPG with this report claiming that West Ham are expecting the Chinese club to increase their initial £35m bid.
With the Austrian wishing to leave, West Ham have identified some replacements. The 29-year-old has scored 19 goals since his summer 2017 move from Stoke City and replacing him will be tough.
Nonetheless, Pellegrini wants a reunion with Dzeko. The pair worked together at Manchester City and now the Chilean wants to bring Dzeko to West Ham.
Everton will provide competition for the veteran striker, who currently plays for Roma in Serie A. The Italian side are said to be open to letting him go this month.
Manuel Pellegrini & Edin Dzeko
Dzeko moved to Man City from Wolfsburg in 2011 and stayed with the club until 2016. For most of his time at The Etihad Stadium (2013 – 2016), Pellegrini was his manager.
Pellegrini and Dzeko won the Premier League in the 2013/14 season, as well as the League Cup in the same season.
During his time with the Citizens, the Bosnia and Herzegovina international scored 72 goals, including 50 in the Premier League.
Edin Dzeko since leaving England
Dzeko joined Roma on loan in summer 2015 before completing his permanent switch to the Italian capital in October that year.
Now into his fourth season with Roma, the 32-year-old has scored 80 goals for the club. This season, he has scored seven times in 20 appearances.
Pellegrini is hoping to tempt the 6ft 4in striker back to England to replace Arnautovic.
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